TW: Mentions of suicide
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Billy Joel has always been a showman and he knows how to keep fans on their toes. But this time, it's not a dramatic encore or a surprise setlist that has people talking—it's his sudden decision to postpone his upcoming concerts due to a recent surgery.
The 75-year-old icon—whose music career is one to rave about—announced that he is taking time off to recover, reassuring fans that he will be back, good as new. With speculation swirling about whether his recent fall had anything to do with it, and his long history of health struggles coming under the spotlight, there's plenty to unpack. Here’s everything we know about Joel’s road to recovery and when fans can expect to see him back on stage.
Billy Joel puts health first, postpones tour after surgery
As reported by Variety, Billy Joel has put his health before the stage, postponing several upcoming concerts after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed medical condition. Joel had eight stadium concerts lined up between now and July. The announcement, made on 11 March 2025, confirmed that Billy Joel is on the road to recovery following surgery, with doctors overseeing his physical therapy to ensure a full return to health.
While fans are understandably disappointed, Joel reassured them that he is expected to make a full recovery. Joel said in a statement:
While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first. I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.
The affected tour dates, originally scheduled between March and June, have been pushed back, with some now taking place in 2026. The first show he is expected to play after his recovery will be on 5 July at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
International fans will still get their chance to see him perform, with rescheduled concerts in Edinburgh and Liverpool now set for 2026. Tickets for postponed shows will remain valid for the new dates, and Joel’s official website will update fans with further details.
As Joel recovers from the unspecified surgery, one major question remains: Is this surgery related to his recent on-stage fall?
Billy Joel fall on stage in February 2025
Just weeks before the announcement, Joel had an alarming moment on stage. During his 22 February performance at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, he took a tumble while performing 'It's Still Rock and Roll to Me.'
Fans captured the moment in videos, showing Joel energetically spinning his microphone stand before suddenly losing his balance and falling backwards. Though he quickly recovered and finished the encore, the incident sparked concern.
Social media was soon flooded with speculation about whether this fall had something to do with his medical condition. Some netizens questioned, as reported by Daily Mail:
Did this have anything to do with the fall he had a couple weeks ago?? Take care Billy!!
Another added:
I was afraid it was related to the fall. Even though he played it off, I thought there might be more to it
However, Joel has not confirmed whether the surgery is related to the fall, and his statement made no mention of any injuries sustained during the performance.
Billy Joel’s history of health struggles
Joel’s recent surgery is just one chapter in a long history of health challenges. Over the years, he has battled injuries, car crashes, and personal struggles with addiction and mental health.
Car crashes
As detailed by Entertainment Weekly, the ‘Uptown Girl’ singer has been involved in multiple car crashes, with three occurring within a span of two years. In 2002, he crashed in Easthampton and later checked himself into rehab for alcohol-related issues.
In 2003, he hit a tree with his Mercedes, and in 2004, he skidded off the road into a Long Island house. Though none of these crashes were officially linked to substance abuse, they raised concerns about his well-being.
Struggles with depression
According to HuffPost, Joel has also been open about his struggles with depression. In a candid interview, he admitted that the aftermath of 9/11 sent him into a deep depressive state, which he tried to self-medicate with alcohol. He said:
I was kind of in a mental fog, and it had nothing to do with the booze. My mind wasn’t right. I wasn’t focused. I went into a deep, deep depression after 9/11. 9/11 just knocked the wind out of me, and I don’t know even now if I’ve recovered from it.
He later sought treatment at the Betty Ford Centre in 2005.
As reported by Daily Mail, his struggles with mental health began early. At just 21, Joel attempted suicide by drinking furniture polish. Reflecting on the moment, he later said:
Nothing was happening with my music career, I didn’t have a job or a place to live. I had to live with my mum again, which felt like a real failure. So I said, “I’m going to kill myself.”
There was stuff in the closet, bleach and another one called Old English scratch polish. I thought that looked tastier so I drank it and farted furniture polish for two days.
He even wrote a suicide note which ultimately inspired one of his songs. He added:
And it became the lyrics to a song called Tomorrow Is Today. When you’re 21 it’s a tough age, that transition to adulthood.
Despite these personal battles, Joel has continued to thrive in his career, selling over 150 million records and maintaining a devoted fan base. With an estimated net worth of $180 million, he remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
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Sources used:
Variety: Billy Joel Postpones Tour Dates After Surgery for Medical Condition: ‘My Health Must Come First’
Daily Mail: Shocking moment Billy Joel, 75, FELL OVER onstage days before surgery announcement
Entertainment Weekly: Billy Joel in third car crash in two years
HuffPost: Billy Joel Depression: Singer Says He "Used Booze As Medication" Following 9/11 Attacks
Daily Mail: 'I stopped writing songs. It took its toll. My personal life went to hell': Billy Joel talks about his three divorces and the woman who saved him
